The government has launched an ICMR drone response and outreach in the northeast (I-Drone) to facilitate vaccines to hard terrain and are difficult to reach.
This new model aims to overcome these challenges by using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) / drones to remote areas and difficult to reach the field.
At present, drone-based shipping projects have been given permission for implementation in Manipur and Nagaland, as well as Union regions of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
During the pilot, drone transport vaccines for 15 km in 12-15 minutes from Bishnupur District Hospital to LOKTAAK LAKE, Karang Island in Manipur for administration in PHC.
The actual road distance between these locations is 26 km.
ICMR conducted an initial study in collaboration with the Institute of Indian technology, Kanpur to test the capacity of drones to carry and transfer vaccines safely.
This study was conducted in Manipur, Nagaland and Andaman and Nicobar.
These studies provide promising results on the basis of the Ministry of Civil Service (Moca), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other regulatory authorities have given permission to fly drones outside the visual point of view.
“Our immunization program for Covid-19 has surpassed all expectations.
I strongly believe that this initiative will then help us achieve as high as possible immunization coverage for Covid-19.
Entering such drone technology into a national program will help provide other vaccines and medical supplies As soon as possible.
“Said the Health Minister of Mansukh Mandaviya.